Strawberry plant named ‘PS-3546’

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to a new and distinct everbearing variety of strawberry plant named ‘PS-3546’ primarily adapted to the growing conditions of the central coast of California. The new variety is primarily characterized by medium to dark green foliage, strong interveinal leaf blistering, strong leaf gloss, medium to large foliage, longer than to much longer than broad terminal leaf, deep serrations, strong stipule and stolon anthocyanin colorations, conical fruit shape, moderate to marked differences in shape between primaries and secondaries, narrow to medium band without achenes, very good fruit gloss and skin firmness, seeds slightly set above the fruit surface, calyx which tends to be slightly reflexed and fruit and flowers characteristically above the foliage.

Latin name of the genus and species of the plant claimed: Fragaria ananassa.

Variety denomination: Strawberry Plant Named ‘PS-3546’.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a new and distinct everbearing strawberry variety designated as ‘PS-3546’. This new variety is a result of a controlled cross made in 1995 between ‘PS-592’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 9,903) and ‘PS-1150’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 10,780). The variety is botanically known as Fragaria ananassa. The new variety was discovered by the inventors, Stephen M. Ackerman, Steven D. Nelson, and Michael D. Nelson.

The seedling resulting from the aforementioned cross was asexually propagated by stolons in a nursery located in Siskiyou County, Calif., and was subsequently selected from a controlled breeding plot in Salinas, Calif. in 1997. After its selection, the new variety was further asexually propagated in both Siskiyou County, Calif. and San Joaquin County, Calif. by stolons. The new variety was then extensively tested over the next several years in the fruiting fields of Salinas, Calif. This propagation has demonstrated that the combination of traits disclosed herein as characterizing the new variety are fixed and remain true to type through successive generations of asexual reproduction.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

‘PS-3546’ is primarily adapted to the climate and growing conditions of the central coast of California. This region provides the necessary winter temperatures required for it to produce a strong vigorous plant and to remain in fruit production from April through November. The nearby Pacific Ocean provides the needed humidity and moderate temperatures to maintain fruit quality during the spring and summer production months. The following list of traits in combination define ‘PS-3546’ as a unique variety distinguishing it from other closely related commercial varieties in the region:

1. Medium to dark green foliage, strong interveinal leaf blistering, strong leaf gloss, medium to large foliage, longer than to much longer than broad terminal leaf, deep serrations;

2. strong stipule and stolon anthocyanin colorations,

3. conical fruit shape, moderate to marked differences in shape between primaries and secondaries, narrow to medium band without achenes, very good fruit gloss and skin firmness, seeds slightly set above the fruit surface;

4. calyx which tends to be slightly reflexed; and

5. fruit and flowers characteristically above the foliage.

The varieties which are believed to be most closely related to ‘PS-3546’ are ‘PS-592’, ‘PS-1150’ and ‘PS-1269’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 10,686).

In comparison to the parental variety, ‘PS-592’, ‘PS-3546’ differs by the following combination of characteristics. The plant of ‘PS-3546’ is smaller in size as compared to ‘PS-592’. The foliage is smaller in size, lighter in color with slightly more interveinal leaf blistering. The fruit of ‘PS-3546’ is smaller in size, firmer with a darker internal and external color as compared to ‘PS-592’. The difference in shape between primary and secondary fruit is greater between ‘PS-3546’ than ‘PS-592’. The seeds of ‘PS-3546’ tend to be slightly more above the surface of the fruit as compared to ‘PS-592’. The fruiting trusses tend to be slightly shorter in length with more anthocyanin than ‘PS-592’. The fruit and flowers of ‘PS-3546’ tend to be more visible above the plant as compared to ‘PS-592’.

In comparison to the parental variety, ‘PS-1150’, ‘PS-3546’ differs by the following combination of characteristics. The plant of ‘PS-3546’ is slightly larger in size as compared to ‘PS-1150’. The foliage is darker in color, larger in size, stronger in interveinal leaf blistering, stronger in gloss with deeper serrations. Bract leaflets are similar in size yet tend to occur much more often on the petioles. The fruit of ‘PS-3546’ is larger in size with better overall flavor than ‘PS-1150’. The calyx segments tend to be slightly more reflexed with a greater difference in shape between primaries and secondaries as compared to ‘PS-1150’. The seeds of ‘PS-3546’ tend to be slightly more above the surface of the fruit as compared to ‘PS-1150’.

In comparison to the similar variety, ‘PS-1269’, ‘PS-3546’ differs by the following combination of characteristics. The plant of ‘PS-3546’ is slightly smaller in size as compared to ‘PS-1269’. The foliage is slightly stronger in interveinal leaf blistering, stronger in gloss, darker in color, with deeper serrations. The length to width ratio of the terminal leaflet is longer than broad to much longer than broad as compared to as long as broad for ‘PS-1269’. The foliage of ‘PS-3546’ is much flatter in cross section as compared to ‘PS-1269’ which tends to be strongly concave. The fruit of ‘PS-3546’ is smaller in size and stronger in overall gloss with better appearance ratings than ‘PS-1269’. The internal flesh color is darker. The seeds of ‘PS-3546’ tend to be slightly more above the surface of the fruit while the calyx segments tend to be more reflexed. The fruiting trusses of ‘PS-3546’ tend to be similar in overall length with more anthocyanin as compared to ‘PS-1269’.

For identification a series of molecular markers have been determined for this new variety.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying color photographs show typical specimens of the new variety at various stages of development as nearly true as it is possible to make in color reproductions the depicted plant and plant parts were approximately 7 to 9 months old.

FIG. 1 shows typical fruiting field characteristics on Jun. 10, 2002.

FIG. 2 shows a close-up view of a typical mature tri-foliate on Jul. 3, 2002.

FIG. 3 shows typical mature and immature field fruit on Jun. 10, 2002.

FIG. 4 shows a close-up view of fruit on Jul. 1, 2002.

FIG. 5 shows typical internal and external fruit characteristics on Aug, 1, 2002.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

The following description of ‘PS-3546’ unless otherwise noted, is based on observations taken during the 2002 growing season in Salinas, Calif. These measurements and ratings were taken from plants dug from a high-elevation nursery located in Siskiyou County, Calif. during the middle of October 2001 and planted approximately 3 weeks later in Salinas, Calif. The approximate age of the observed plants is 7 to 8 months. Yield observations and fruit quality characteristics are averaged from data collected during the 1999 through 2002 production seasons. The characteristics of the new variety may vary in detail, depending upon variations in environmental factors, including weather (temperature, humidity and light intensity), day length, soil type and location. ‘PS-3546’ has not been observed under all possible environmental conditions. Color terminology where noted follows the Munsell Book of Colors, Munsell Color, Baltimore, Md. (1976).

Fruit Characteristics

‘PS-3546’ fruit, fruit production and fruit quality characteristics. Fruit characteristics are taken from secondary fruit on a first year planting.

TABLE 1 1999-2002 market fruit yield, fruit size and runner production characteristics of ‘PS-3546’ from Salinas, California. 1999-2002 1999-2002 1999-2002 Average Average Average 1999-2002 April/May Total Yield Fruit Size Average Cultivar Yield GM/PL GM/PL GRM Runners/PL ‘PS-3546’ 193 1,556 22.7 1.5 ‘PS-592’ 255 1,633 24.3 0.4 ‘PS-1150’ 138 1,327 18.8 0.5 ‘PS-1269’ 263 1,454 24.7 0.4 Fruit was harvested from April through October 1999-2002. The plants of ‘PS-3546’ were dug from a high elevation nursery (Macdoel, California) during the middle of October and planted approximately 3 weeks later in Salinas, California. # ‘PS-3546’ is compared to the following standards dug and planted comparably to ‘PS-3546’.

TABLE 2 Comparison of secondary fruit characteristics of ‘PS-3546’, with standards from Salinas, California, Jun. 13, 2002. Character ‘PS-3546’ ‘PS-592’ ‘PS-1150’ ‘PS-1269’ Munsell Color 7.5R 3/8 to 7.5R 3/12 to 7.5R 4/10 to 7.5R 3/10 to Range 4/10 4/12 3/8 4/10 Mature Fruit Fruit Length 4.11 3.95 3.79 4.13 mean (cm) Fruit Width 4.05 4.02 3.86 3.95 mean (cm)* Fruit Length/ 1.01 0.98 1.05 1.29 Width Ratio Calyx Diameter 5.6 5.4 5.1 5.2 mean (cm) No. Sepals/ 13.8 14.1 14.7 14.2 Berry Seed Weight 0.58 0.6 0.5 0.6 mean (mgs) *Width is measured across the widest part of the berry, typically across the shoulders

TABLE 3 Comparison of 1990-2002 fruit quality characteristics, including flavor and soluble solids of ‘PS-3546’, with standards from Salinas, California. Character ‘PS-3546’ ‘PS-592’ ‘PS-1150’ ‘PS-1269’ Skin Firmness* 8.4 7.7 8.3 8.1 Fruit Appearance* 8.0 7.9 8.2 7.3 Fruit Gloss* 8.1 8.2 8.5 7.2 Flavor** 3.1 3.4 3.0 3.2 Soluble Solids*** 9.0 10.0 8.1 9.6 *Results are averaged from 4 years of replicated holding test performed from April through October 1999-2002. Ratings are based on a scale from 1-10; the higher the rating, the stronger the skin and more attractive and glossy the berry. **Results are averaged from tests performed from May through September 2002. Ratings are based on a scale from 1-5; the higher the rating the better the flavor. ***Results are averaged from tests performed from May through September 2002. Soluble solid content is measured in percent Brix, with percent Brix being an indirect measurement of the sugar content in the fruit.

Fruit:

Ratio of length/width.—As long as broad.

Size.—Medium.

Predominant shape.—Conical.

Difference in shapes between primary and secondary fruit.—Moderate to marked.

Band without achenes.—Narrow to medium.

Unevenness of surface.—Weak to medium.

Color of mature fruit.—Red.

Color of immature fruit.—Medium whitish yellow (10Y 8/4 to 7/6).

Evenness of color.—Slightly uneven to even.

Glossiness.—Strong.

Insertion of achenes.—Level with to above surface.

Insertion of calyx.—Level with to in the basin.

Attitude of the calyx segments.—Spreading to reflexed.

Size of calyx in relation to fruit diameter.—Slightly to much larger.

Adherence of calyx (when fully ripe).—Strong.

Firmness of skin.—Strong.

Firmness of flesh.—Firm.

Color of flesh.—Medium red (7.5R 4/10 to 4/12).

Distribution of red color of the flesh.—Marginal to central.

Hollow center.—Weakly to strongly expressed.

Receptacle color.—Whitish (N9.25/84.2%R to N9/78.7%R).

Seed color.—Dark yellow to moderate red (5Y 5/6 to 7.5R 2/8).

Time of flowering ( 50 % of plants at first flower).—Early.

Time of ripening ( 50 % of plants with first ripe fruit).—Early.

Time of ripening (length of time from flower to maturity).—28.6 days in mid summer.

Type of bearing.—Fully remontant.

Plant Characteristics

‘PS-3546’ plant characteristics. Plant characteristics are taken from a fully mature mid season plant.

TABLE 4 Comparison of plant characteristics of ‘PS-3546’, with standards from Salinas, California, Jul. 13, 2002. Character ‘PS-3546’ ‘PS-592’ ‘PS-1150’ ‘PS-1269’ Plant Height 25.5 34.1 26.4 27.6 mean (cm) Plant Spread 30.1 35.4 28.2 30.7 mean (cm) Crowns/Plant (mean) 5.5 6.3 5.2 3.8

Plant:

Size.—Medium.

Habit.—Globose.

Density.—Medium to dense.

Vigor.—Medium.

Stolons:

Number.—Medium.

Anthocyanin coloration.—Very strong.

Thickness.—Very thick.

Pubescence.—Medium to strong.

Foliage Characteristics

‘PS-3546’ foliage characteristics. Foliage characteristics are taken from a fully mature tri-foliate during mid season.

TABLE 5 Comparison of leaf characteristics of ‘PS-3546’, with standards from Salinas, California, Jun. 13, 2002. Character ‘PS-3546’ ‘PS-592’ ‘PS-1150’ ‘PS-1269’ Munsell Color 7.5GY 3/4 to 7.5GY 4/4 to 7.5GY 4/4 to 7.5GY 3/4 to Range 2/4 3/4 3/4 3/6 (upper surface) Terminal 9.3 10.0 7.9 8.4 Leaflet Length mean (cm) Terminal 7.9 8.6 6.9 8.5 Leaflet Width mean (cm) Terminal 1.18 1.20 1.10 1.00 Leaflet ratio (L/W) Petiole Length 17.2 20.8 18.9 18.6 mean (cm) Petiole Width 4.9 5.4 4.1 4.7 mean (mm) Petiolule 8.3 12.1 9.2 12.9 Length mean (mm) Serrations/Leaf 19.6 20.1 21.0 22.6 Serration 7.7 7.7 5.0 5.5 Depth mean (mm) Stipule Length 3.1 3.0 3.2 2.9 mean (cm) Stipule Width 1.9 1.7 1.8 2.0 mean (cm)

Foliage:

Color of upper surface.—Medium to dark green.

Color of under side.—Medium gray green (7.5GY 5/4 to 6/4).

Shape in cross section.—Sightly concave to flat.

Blistering.—Medium to strong.

Glossiness.—Medium to strong.

Number of leaflets/leaf.—Three.

Terminal leaflet:

Size.—Medium to large.

Length/width ratio.—Longer than broad to much longer than broad.

Shape of base.—Obtuse.

Shape of incision of margins.—Obtuse.

Depth of serrations.—Deep.

Petiole:

Pubescence.—Sparse.

Stipule color.—Light to medium green.

Anthocyanin coloration of stipule.—Strong to very strong.

Attitude of hairs.—Slightly outward to strongly outward.

Size of bract leaflets.—Small.

Frequency of bract leaflets.—Occur on approximately 40% of the petioles.

Flowers and Inflorescences

‘PS-3546’ inflorescence and flower characteristics. Inflorescence characteristic are taken from a fully mature plant during mid season. Flower characteristics are taken from a secondary flower during mid season at full maturity:

TABLE 6 Comparison of inflorescence and secondary flower characteristics of ‘PS-3546’, with standards from Salinas, California, Jun. 12, 2002. Character ‘PS-3546’ ‘PS-592’ ‘PS-1150’ ‘PS-1269’ Fruiting Truss Length* 34.2 35.6 32.7 33.7 mean (cm) Corolla Diameter 31 31 30 30 mean (mm) Calyx Diameter 42 38 39 39 mean (mm) Petal Length 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.1 mean (mm) Petal Width 1.2 1.4 1.2 1.2 mean (mm) Petal L/W Ratio 1.08 0.93 1.08 0.92 Petals/Flower (mean) 6.8 6.7 7.1 7.1 Sepal Length 19 16 16 14 mean (mm) Sepal Width 6 5 6 7 mean (mm) Sepal L/W Ratio 3.2 3.2 2.7 2.0 Sepals/Flower (mean) 13.0 13.1 12.8 13.9 Stamens/Flower (mean) 28.5 31.2 30.8 27.3 Pistils/Flower(mean) 642 561 415 689 *as measured from the base of the primary peduncle where it attaches to the crown of the plant to the furthest berry.

Inflorescence:

Position relative to foliage.—Above.

Pubescence.—Medium.

Anthocyanin.—Moderate to strong.

Number of bract leaflets per truss.—1 to 2.

Size of bract leaflets.—Medium to large.

Fruiting truss length.—Medium.

Flowers:

Color.—White.

Size.—Medium.

Size of calyx relative to corolla.—Larger.

Relative position of petals (observed on flowers with 5 or 6 petals).—Overlapping.

Petal length/width ratio.—Longer than broad.

Pest reactions: This new variety may not be resistant to any of the known insects, diseases or viruses common in California. It is known to be moderately susceptible to the two-spotted spider mite and aphid and may be slightly more susceptible to flower thrips. It is also known to be moderately susceptible to grey fruit mold and slightly susceptible to powdery mildew. The susceptibility of the new variety to any of the virus complexes of California has not been determined. 

We claim:
 1. A new and distinct strawberry plant named ‘PS-3546’, as herein described and illustrated by the characteristics set forth above. 